Transition Year
TY is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate programmes. It is available to all second-level schools and currently some 550 schools offer the programme. In Davis College TY is mandatory for students. Each school designs its own Transition Year programme, within set guidelines, to suit the needs and interests of its students. In theory Leaving Certificate material is not to be covered but it is impossible for students not to practice and develop skills that will assist them enormously in their Leaving Certificate.
For more information on Davis College TY click on this link TY Leaflet.pdf
In Davis College TY is made up of five parts :
Core Subjects: Irish, English. Maths, PE, Religion, RSE
Optional Subjects: there are a full range of option subjects available and students choose their options on entry to TY. Students choose subjects prior to Transition Year but can change freely up to Christmas in TY. Students choose subject prior to beginning the year after a meeting with Guidance Counsellors and discussions with teachers about different subject areas. Even if students are not sure of what career path they want at this stage, they are very aware of what subjects they like and dislike. Remember, they will have experienced them over the course of the previous three years. Ultimately we want students to choose subject they enjoy as this will lead them into careers they will enjoy. What better way to spend your working life but doing work that you enjoy every day. Information on subject choice is available at this link Senior Subject Choice.pdf
Modules: These are non exam subjects and offer an alternative from the traditional academic subjects. Modules vary from year to year with staff introducing new innovations all the time. Modules can include subjects such as Car Maintenance, Robotics, Geology, Mini Company, ETwinning, Political Studies, Photography, Kick Boxing etc. They give students the opportunity to work as part of teams, practice their organisational skills, develop public speaking expertise, increase confidence etc.
Careers: There is a strong focus on careers in Transition Year. Students get the opportunity to attend College open days, careers exhibitions and so on. They also have three weeks of work experience over the course of the year as well a Career Guidance Class.
Additional Activities: Other activities to take place in TY include French Exchange, School Tour, MUN trips, Young Scientist, Mini Companies, Model United Nations Conference, eTwinning, Young Social Innovator, Young Economist of the Year etc. Fun activities are also built into the year with trips to driving centres, karting, outdoor pursuits etc.